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Extra income. We all want some. Maybe you’ve considered starting a side hustle, but didn’t get very far. After all, developing a second source of income takes time and possibly dough to start. Who really has either one to spare?
Don’t give up your dream of extra cash flow just yet. Here are 10 side hustles that have little to no start up costs and are relatively easy to begin.
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Dog Walking or Pet Sitting
If you love pets, your side income prayers are answered. Pet sitting companies make a killing from full-time and shift workers needing someone to give their pet a potty break during the day and while they’re out of town.
Join an established agency as an independent contractor or start your own business. Post fliers around your neighborhood, take out cheap ads, reach out to pet owners you know, and share on social media.
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Office Work (Where You Already Work)
Take side work at your current job in a different department or doing administrative duties. Your helping hand will be cheaper for your employer than hiring a temp or taking on an extra employee. Organizing this type of side work is free and you won’t have to make another commute for a second job. Try tasks like data entry, filing, or even cleaning. You can put some headphones on and dance to the extra dollar signs appearing in your account.
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Manage Social Media Profiles
Who doesn’t know how to use social media these days? A lot of people actually. But separately, there are some small businesses that lack the time to manage their social media marketing outreach effectively. That’s where you come in. Charge to write and post for small businesses, basically becoming their online community manager. Start by reaching out to your own network and then pitching your idea to neighboring businesses by phone and email.
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Reseller
Calling all creatives! You know that free section on Craigslist? Goldmine. Peruse the “free stuff” posts a few times on your day off for items that you can spruce up. If you find something good reach out and be prepared to pick it up on the same day. Give your free treasure a little TLC if needed and then resell it right back on Craigslist for a profit.
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Sign Up for Research Studies
Safe ones of course. Researchers are always looking for guinea pig to study – and they pay. Do an online search for behavioral studies at universities in your area or sign up for research databases like fgglobal.com or focusgroup.com. It may take some time to get selected, however some of the studies pay very well. And all you’ll need to do at times is offer up your opinion.
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Uber Driver
Sign up for Uber, submit to a background check, and if approved give passengers a lift around town during your down time. The hours are flexible and you can select more or less work based on your income needs. Some drivers even make a living out of it.
TaskRabbit Bunny
Love interacting with people and have a helping hand to offer others? Apply to be a TaskRabbit in your area. This resource connects people who need services with those that can offer them. Services on tap include cleaning, repairs, personal assistance and moving help.
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Mystery Shopper
Apply to agencies, like Secret Shopper, that send customers to stores to do reviews for quality assurance purposes. Mystery shoppers receive payment or gift cards for their time. You can take mystery shopping one step further for more money if you have an advanced experience level in an industry. For example, skilled hospitality professionals can apply for specialized agencies that cater to hotels and restaurants.
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Tutor
Share your knowledge and offer tutoring or mentorship services to kids and teenagers. You don’t have to be a math genius either (though that could command a higher rate if you start tutoring at the college level).Dancing, playing an instrument, reading, etc. are all skills parents will pay you to do with their child. Ask anyone you know with kids if they or their friends need your specific expertise.
‘Breaking Bad’ fans know Badger for his beginnings in the marketing industry. LOL. (Still from ‘Breaking Bad.’)
Simple Marketing Gigs
Search job boards for day gigs. These are typically easy weekend day jobs that pay you in cash to hand out fliers and talk to people about a product. For a few paid hours of no brainer work you can network and improve your selling skills.
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Proofreader
Are an exceptionally good writer? (Be honest with yourself here.) Do people always ask you to take a second look at their work? Charge to review papers, resumes, and professional documents. Start by word of mouth and then put a few feelers out on social media. Develop your pricing per hour and set up a PayPal account for payments.
